Training Camp Doings

Here are some sights and sounds from the 49ers first training-camp practice:

BOO LIGHT: Quarterback Alex Smith was heartily booed by the 1,000 or fans who crammed into metal bleachers on the south side of the practice field. Smith was blasted by boos every time he misfired. “I think it’s outstanding,” coach Mike Singletary said post practice, which seems like an odd comment. But Singletary was actually thinking the boos will prepare Smith for the monsoon of boos he’ll face when flubs a throw before 60,000 or so a Candlmelt. “That’s going to happen,” Singletary said, “keep moving forward, get better.”

Frank Gore, the star of Saturday’s show.

QUARTERBACK DUEL: Shaun Hill got the better of Smith during the morning session. I didn’t keep track of passing in team drills, but Hill checked down less often and found his targets more easily. He also got better protection functioning behind the first-team line most of the time. Singletary, wisely, refused to handicap the race after the first practice. “I’m not in the business of guessing,” he said. “Right now, I don’t want to guess I want to see these guys compete.” The other two quarterbacks, rookie Nate Davis and 13th year vet Damon Huard also took a turn or two. The big-armed Davis created instant sizzle, completing his first pass for a 30-yard gain to fellow rookie Bear Pascoe. His second pass was woefully late and was tipped and then picked by rookie safety Curtis Taylor. I like Taylor. It’s too early to tell, but the 49ers might have something there. After the pick, a fan yelled, “We still believe Nate!” His next throw was a slant to Brandon Jones that Reggie Smith broke up. That’s right, Reggie Smith made a play. Maybe safety will be his home.

CLIMBING UP THE CRABTREE: I got a great view of the back of general manager Scot McCloughan’s head, when he was asked about any update on the negotiations for first-round receiver Michael Crabtree. McCloughan, without breaking stride or turning around said, “Nothing. Day-by-day process.” The typically pleasant McCloughan was either frustrated by the repeated question or the negotiations themselves. The upshot? Dig in boys and girls, this could be a long process. Crabby wants top five cake, more than the $23.5 million in guarantees that the Raiders provided seventh overall pick, Darrius Heyward-Bey. Crabtree could be the last first-rounder signed.

LINEUPS: The first-team defense went with Isaac Sopoaga, Aubrayo Franklin and Justin Smith on the line, Manny Lawson, Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes and Parys Haralson at linebackers and Nate Clements, Michael Lewis, Dashon Goldson and Tarell Brown in the secondary. The second team went with Dre Bly, Reggie Smith, Mark Roman, and Shawtae Spencer in the secondary, Ahmad Brooks, Scott McKillop, Jeff Ulbrich and Marques Harris at linebacker and Demetric Evans, Sopoaga at the nose and Kentwan Balmer on the defensive line.

The offense came out with Michael Robinson at fullback and Brandon Jones ahead of Isaac Bruce at receiver, which were the only offensive surprises. Jones isn’t likely to stay ahead of Bruce, but Jones was at all the off-season practices, while Bruce spent most of his time in Florida this off-season. The backup offensive line went left to right: Barry Sims, Joe Toledo, Cody Wallace, Tony Wragge and Marvel Smith.

OKLAHOMA!: The 49ers broke into position groups and then had players square off in about a three-foot area, with one player trying to run through another. Wide receivers wrastled with defensive backs, running backs with linebackers, etc. It was an intense drill and coaches had to step in frequently to keep the action from getting too hot. Singletary said he’ll continue to use the drill because it focuses attention on the fundamentals of leverage and balance. However, for a minute, the practice field looked like a training ground for the WWF, with plenty of grunting and body slamming.

PONTIFICATION: Takeo Spikes said Singletary spoke the team for three hours the other night. On Saturday he huddled with the team for at least 10 minutes before they broke up (although no one was sure it was just Singletary talking). At this rate, Singletary is rivaling Castro in his long addresses to his multitudes.

BEST OF THE BUNCH: Frank Gore looked like the most polished player on the field. During run drills he showed great vision in finding the hole. After each of his many long runs, he would return to the huddle and tap each of his linemen on the helmet as a gesture of appreciation. Gore also looks like he’s in top condition. He said he returned to his old conditioning coach at the University of Miami for his training this offseason. “It’s a whole body workout,” he said. “Lots of running in sand.”